Paper Dragons Redefine an Ancient Art

Paper cutting as an art form is almost as old as paper itself. Traditionally, though, paper cuts are 2-dimensional, almost cartoonish depictions of scenes because of the nature of the process: either the paper is there, or it is cut away, leaving the artist with two tones to work with.

Paper cutting as an art form is almost as old as paper itself. Traditionally, though, paper cuts are 2-dimensional, almost cartoonish depictions of scenes because of the nature of the process: either the paper is there, or it is cut away, leaving the artist with two tones to work with. Artist Tiffany Miller Russell has adapted this ancient technique into 3-dimensional paper sculptures, bringing new possibilities to the fore: depth, color, and shading.

The olm, or proteus, is a cave salamander related to the mud puppy and found only in caves of the Dinaric Alps of Europe. Known to science for hundreds of years from animals washed from the caves during heavy rains, olms were once believed to be the larvae of dragons. Deep in the dark earth, they rule both their own silent waters, and the realms of our imagination.

For the third year running, we are turning September into a month-long celebration of science artists by delivering a new morsel of sciart to chew on each day. Totally yum? Check out what was previously featured on this day:

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of Scientific American.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR(S)

Kalliopi Monoyios

Kalliopi Monoyios is an independent science illustrator. She has illustrated several popular science books including Neil Shubin's Your Inner Fish and The Universe Within, and Jerry Coyne's Why Evolution is True. Find her at www.kalliopimonoyios.com.

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Subscribe Now!Paper Dragons Redefine an Ancient ArtPaper cutting as an art form is almost as old as paper itself. Traditionally, though, paper cuts are 2-dimensional, almost cartoonish depictions of scenes because of the nature of the process: either the paper is there, or it is cut away, leaving the artist with two tones to work with.

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